The Niagara Cutter AB245 series uncoated carbide ball nose end mill has two flutes and is suitable for cuts on aluminum and other nonferrous materials. Its 45-degree helix provides increased chip evacuation compared to end mills with lower helix angles, as it moves excess material quickly up the spiral and away from the workpiece. Two flutes have better chip-carrying capacity than end mills with more flutes while offering additional support when the tool goes deep into the material in applications with a high depth of cut. The center-cutting design has cutting teeth at the end of the tool, so it can be fed straight into the workpiece like a drill bit for applications such as plunge cutting, slotting, and profiling. The tools ball nose creates contoured surfaces where sharp corners are not required. Carbide material makes the mill harder and more abrasion resistant than high-speed and cobalt steel tools. With no coating or surface treatment, it features just the base (or substrate) material for a range of general purpose applications. It can provide an economical alternative to higher-priced coatings, which may require specific conditions like high speeds to be effective. The tool has an eccentric primary relief feature that provides better support behind the cutting edge than a flat relief, reducing tooth breakage in deep cuts. Flute diameter tolerance is +0.0000" to -0.0020"; overall length tolerance is + or - 0.060"; and length of cut tolerance is +0.030 to -0.000" for 1/16" to 5/16" and +0.060" to -0.000" for 21/64" to 1". The tools round shank accommodates a range of holders. End mills are designed to remove material and create three-dimensional shapes or profiles. End mills have cutting edges along the outside diameter and flutes that remove chips from the cutting area, reduce heat, and allow cooling fluids to enter. If heat is not reduced effectively, the tools cutting edges will dull and additional material buildup can occur. The number of flutes can range from two to eight. Two-flute designs offer the most efficient chip removal, but more flutes provide a smoother finish. The shank is the end of the tool held in place by a tool holder or machine. Center-cutting end mills can make plunge cuts similar to a drill bit. Niagara Cutter has been designing and manufacturing precision cutting tools since 1954. Specializing in end mills, cutting mills, and saws, the company is based in New York and manufactures its tools at facilities in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. This allows the company control over production, from substrate to coating, which is essential for customers in a variety of industries, especially aerospace and automotive.
